The most deeply rooted festival on the island is celebrated in the Tinajo area every September 15th in honor of the Virgen de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows) or the Virgen de los Volcanes(Our Lady of the Volcanoes), who is the patroness of Lanzarote. People dressed in typical Lanzarotean clothing come from all over the island to take part in the procession. For a few days of the year the Mancha Blanca region in Tinajo is transformed into a center of traditional Canarian culture when the pilgrims come from other islands in the Archipelago to visit the chapel.
In the early hours of the first Saturday after September 15th, processions leave from towns all over Lanzarote. No matter how far away Mancha Blanca is, from Playa Blanca to Arrieta, those who promised to honor Our Lady of Sorrows religiously keep their word. To liven up the journey, they carry with them typical food, Spanish string instruments called timples and guitars as they walk meter by meter towards the beautiful chapel of Los Dolores.
This location is also where the last volcanic eruptions of Timanfaya took place between 1730 and 1736. The citizens of Tinajo sought protection from the Virgin against the threat of lava that flowed close to their homes. More details. To arrive in Mancha Blanca and pay respects to the Virgin forms part of the ritual. In recent years, the island has been coming to a standstill during this festival. Around 40,000 visitors have come to Mancha Blanca. Folk music, dance, the typical Canarian potato dish papas arrugadas and dried cod strips called tollos all contribute to this special day filled with joy and happiness.
Running parallel to this festival is the Handicraft Festival or feria de Artesanía. This is an exhibition of the traditional crafts made in Lanzarote, other parts of the Canaries, and the rest of the world. Hundreds of craftsmen display their clay and ceramic products, typical sombrero hats and a wide range of interesting articles. Another event that runs alongside this tribute to popular culture is the Folk Festival Nanino Díaz Cutillas. This event brings together all the main traditional dance and music groups from Lanzarote.
